Dangerous Dogs - changes

Changes over the years

20th October

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The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act in 1997 gave the Courts discretion on sentencing. Provided the Court is satisfied that the dog will not constitute a danger to public safety, as an alternative to ordering the destruction of the dog, the Court can instead impose a control order specifying the measures the owner must take to keep the dog under proper control. These measures include muzzling and keeping the dog on a lead in public places, neutering, microchipping, and tattooing among others.

In May 2014 the Dangerous Dogs Act was amended under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime, and Policing Act. This amendment introduced an increase in prison sentences for offenders and extended the scope of the Act to include incidents on private property as well as in public spaces.